Meet Nellie Schrantz, the new orchestra teacher at Jefferson Junior High School.

Nellie Schrantz is looking forward to getting to know Columbia and getting involved in music groups.

Teaching experience: This is Schrantz’s first year teaching.

Education: Schrantz has a bachelor’s degree in violin performance from Denison University, a master’s degree in music education from the University of Texas at Austin and has completed training as a Suzuki method teacher through Book Three of the program.

Hometown: St. Johns, Mich.

Hobbies: Schrantz was a fiddler for bands in Texas, earned a third degree black belt in Sanchin-Ryu, a type of karate, and enjoys exercising and knitting.

Family: Brain Silvey, fiancée

Favorite food: Ice cream

Favorite TV shows: “Great Performances” on PBS and “So You Think You Can Dance”